Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client with an elevated cortisol level. The nurse can expect the client to exhibit symptoms of:

• A. urinary excess
• B. hyperpituitarism
• C. urinary deficit
• D. hyperthyroidism

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Elevated cortisol levels can lead to sodium and fluid retention and potassium deficit, resulting in urinary deficit. This imbalance in electrolytes and fluid can cause a decrease in urinary output. Choices B, hyperpituitarism, and D, hyperthyroidism, are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the symptoms expected with elevated cortisol levels. Option A, urinary excess, is also incorrect as high cortisol levels typically lead to fluid retention and urinary deficit, not excess.

2. Which of the following nursing diagnoses is most appropriate for the client experiencing acute pancreatitis?

• A. Confusion
• B. Latex Allergy
• C. Acute Pain
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Acute Pain is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a client experiencing acute pancreatitis because it is a common symptom associated with this condition. Pancreatitis often presents with severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back. Confusion, Latex Allergy, and Constipation are not typically associated with acute pancreatitis. Confusion may occur in severe cases of pancreatitis with complications, but acute pain is the priority nursing diagnosis due to its prevalence and impact on the client's well-being.

3. Why is it often necessary to draw a complete blood count and differential (CBC/differential) when a client is being treated with an antiepileptic drug (AED)?

• A. The hematocrit is adversely affected due to increased vascular volume.
• B. AEDs can lead to blood dyscrasia as a side effect.
• C. AEDs may cause aplastic anemia and megaloblastic anemia.
• D. Some AEDs induce white blood cell reduction.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client is being treated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), it is essential to monitor for potential side effects on blood parameters. Some AEDs can lead to blood dyscrasia, which includes conditions like aplastic anemia and megaloblastic anemia. Therefore, drawing a complete blood count and differential helps in identifying these adverse effects early. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the primary concern when monitoring blood parameters in clients on AEDs is the risk of blood dyscrasia, not changes in hematocrit due to vascular volume, white blood cell reduction, or immune modulation.

4. Which is an example of a sentinel event?

• A. The terminally ill client is referred to hospice and dies 3 months later.
• B. A client receives an unordered mammogram which reveals a small cyst.
• C. A client with a laceration to the knee requiring 4 sutures falls when getting up unassisted after being instructed to remain in bed.
• D. A client scheduled for knee replacement surgery had an above-the-knee amputation performed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Yes! A sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence causing death or serious injury. In this case, a client who was scheduled for knee replacement surgery but had an above-the-knee amputation performed instead represents a sentinel event as it resulted in serious harm that was not intended. The other choices do not meet the criteria for a sentinel event. Choice A describes a natural progression for a terminally ill client, choice B shows an incidental finding from a test, and choice C involves a preventable fall leading to an injury but not a sentinel event.

5. A nurse working in a pediatric clinic observes the following situations. Which of the following may indicate a delayed child to the nurse?

• A. A 12-month-old that does not 'cruise'.
• B. An 8-month-old that can sit upright unsupported.
• C. A 6-month-old that is rolling prone to supine.
• D. A 3-month-old that does not roll supine to prone.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A 12-month-old that does not 'cruise''. At 12 months, a child should at least be 'cruising' (holding on to objects to walk), which is considered pre-walking. The other choices describe age-appropriate developmental milestones: sitting upright unsupported by 8 months, rolling prone to supine by 6 months, and rolling supine to prone by 3 months. Not 'cruising' at 12 months may indicate a delay in motor skills development.

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